Vulnerable Oklahoma Democrat to vote for impeachment

Oklahoma Rep. Kendra Horn (D) came out in support of President Trump’s impeachment on Tuesday, adding to a list of vulnerable Democrats backing the politically difficult vote. 

“It is with a heavy heart, but with clarity of conviction that I have made my decision. The oath I took to protect and defend the Constitution requires a vote for impeachment. This is not a decision I came to lightly, but I must do my part to ensure our democracy remains strong,” Horn said in a statement. 

Horn said she is “disappointed in lawmakers” on both sides of the aisle who “pre-judged the outcome” of the impeachment inquiry before hearing the facts. 

But now that the inquiry has concluded, Horn said Congress “must act to protect our Constitution, the integrity of our elections, and our national security.” 

“Our founders put in place checks and balances between three co-equal branches of government to ensure that no one is above the law. Allowing one branch or president to ignore our laws and Constitution would set a dangerous precedent,” Horn said. 

Horn unseated a Republican in the 2018 midterms and faces a tough battle to win reelection next year. 

Two vulnerable Iowa Democrats – Reps. Abby Finkenauer and Cindy Axne – also announced Tuesday they would support articles of impeachment. Both are freshmen representatives who flipped Republican districts.

“This decision is not, and was never about politics, and this shouldn’t be about political parties or elections,” Finkenauer said. “It’s about facts, dignity in public service, and honoring those who fought and continue to fight to protect our sacred democracy.”

Axne said, “When I took the oath of office, I swore to protect the Constitution and our democracy. After carefully reviewing the evidence presented from the House Judiciary and Intelligence committees, it’s clear the President abused his power by using $400 million in taxpayer money for his own personal, political gain and obstructed justice by ordering his administration to refuse to testify or provide subpoenaed documents.”

New Jersey Rep. Mikie Sherrill, another first-term Democrat who unseated a Republican in 2018, also came out in support of impeachment on Tuesday. 

“My military service taught me to put our country — not politics — first, and my time as a federal prosecutor taught me about the importance of the rule of law and of justice,” the former Navy helicopter pilot tweeted. 

My military service taught me to put our country — not politics — first, and my time as a federal prosecutor taught me about the importance of the rule of law and of justice.

I will be voting in favor of the Articles of Impeachment. pic.twitter.com/Yv7RT16Fyp

— Rep. Mikie Sherrill (@RepSherrill) December 17, 2019

Democrats in swing districts, many of whom played a role in flipping control of the House with wins during the 2018 midterms, have been coming out in support of impeachment since the House Judiciary Committee advanced two articles last week.

So far, only one Democrat, long-time Rep. Collin Peterson (D-Minn.), has signaled he plans to vote against the articles in an expected House vote on Wednesday. He was one of only two Democrats to vote against the impeachment inquiry. 

Freshman Rep. Jefferson Van Drew (N.J.), the other Democrat planning to vote against the inquiry, began signaling to staff and other members of his state’s delegation over the weekend that he plans to switch parties to the GOP in the coming days.